Rabat – King Mohammed VI performed the ritual Eid Al Adha sacrifice on Monday morning at the Royal Palace in Tetouan.
The ceremony marking one of the most sacred traditions in the Islamic calendar took place in the presence of several members of the Royal Family, top government officials, and religious dignitaries.
The King personally carried out the ritual sacrifice of two rams shortly after the Eid prayer, keeping with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who used to offer two sacrificial animals during Eid Al Adha, one for himself and his family, and one for the wider Muslim community.
The moment of sacrifice was broadcast live on national television, showing the monarch in traditional Moroccan attire as he carried out the rite in accordance with Islamic tradition.
As families across the country are observing Eid Al Adha without the traditional slaughter of livestock, the act carried added symbolic weight this year. King Mohammed VI performed the sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans.
Earlier this year, the King cited persistent drought and the need to address financial constraints on Moroccan households as he announced his decision to cancel Eid al-Adha animal sacrifice.
Morocco is experiencing its seventh consecutive year of drought, leading to a significant decline in livestock numbers.
Official figures indicate a 38% reduction in cattle and sheep herds since 2016. Rainfall has been 53% below the 30-year average, resulting in scarce pastures and increased reliance on expensive imported feed.
The scarcity of livestock has driven up prices, making it challenging for many families to afford sacrificial animals. The cost of a single sheep exceeds the monthly minimum wage of approximately MAD 3,000 (€290), which places a significant burden on households.
Recognizing these challenges, King Mohammed VI has called upon citizens to refrain from performing the Eid Al Adha sacrifice this year and said he would perform the sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans to maintain the spiritual essence of the tradition.
The act commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
